by Mark Cocco
Special to Torque
I've done numerous camping adventures and road trips over the years, and through plenty of trial and error I've found a few different ways of packing that work well for me — and should for you as well.
Depending on where I'm going, what I'm driving, and who I'm going with, the key factor is always to be organized. This doesn't necessarily mean spending lots of money on "overlanding" things. Stuff like drawer systems are a good way to stay organized but they also add weight and can take up a lot of space.
The main reason I don't use a drawer system is that I transfer my stuff between different vehicles and campers so I typically use different size totes that always stay packed.
As I write this, I've been on the road since mid-January and entirely living out of the Jeep. Every so often you just need to do a full reset to keep things organized, so I thought I'd show off what is currently working for me and what's not.
To start off, I built a simple two-piece platform in the back of the Jeep. The rear platform fits behind the rear seats and stays in the Jeep full time. This setup still allows access to the factory storage area where I keep a tarp and towing equipment. The second piece replaces the 60 part of the 60/40 rear bench seat.
The main piece of my kit, which pretty much always goes with me anywhere I go, is my tool tote. This tote holds all of the miscellaneous tools that don't fit in my Husky tool kit:
- Bottle jack with wheel chocks
- Breaker bar and torque wrench
- Jumper cables
- Nuts & bolts, both random and specific to this Jeep
- Different size zip ties
- Extra ratchet straps and bungee cords
- Torx bits, regular, inverted, and security
- Axle nut socket
- Various pliers and vice grips
- Volt meter, misc. electrical and fuses
- Anti seize, WD40, and loc-tite
- 2-inch x 6-inch x 12-inch pine board
- Tire plug kit
Basically this tote is one massive junk drawer. If it's not in here you don't need it.
Another tool that's always with me is this Smittybilt 12-volt Air Compressor. It has enough power to seat a bead and it will air up a 35-inch tire from 15- to 32-psi in about a minute. Included but not pictured is a rapid tire deflation tool, like a JT Brooks, for airing down when conditions warrant. Also pictured here is my multi-use pine board.
And just to show why I bring so many tools — after traveling 150 miles of the Mojave Road and several days in Death Valley, my driver's side front wheel bearing finally had enough. I limped the Jeep 80 miles to the nearest auto parts store and replaced the bearing assembly in the parking lot. An hour and a half later I was back on the road.
The next biggest piece is my mess kit, and this tote changes a bit depending on my mission. Currently, it contains a few emergency MREs for when I'm too lazy to cook, a large cast-iron pan, an MSR aluminum pan kit, utensils, spices, zip lock bags, various other items, and a one-burner stove.
The kitchen/pantry area is located below the hinged sleeping platform, which is all covered in the finest black rug I could find at a discount store. I'm also using a fridge freezer now instead of a cooler, and so far it's been a great purchase; definitely moving to a fridge has been a game-changer. Although now I'm the guy wandering around asking people for 3 large ice cubes for my drink.
On the driver’s side of my 40/60 rear seat is my multi-purpose area. It’s my lounging area, office desk, changing room, and sleeping area access. I originally built the sleeping platform across both rear seats, which gave me a ton more storage space, but made it much harder to get into the "bed". With the "40" seat still there I can just roll up into bed pretty easily.
And this is the very cozy master bedroom. I'm using a three-inch foam pad from an old camper as a bed along with a Coleman sleeping bag, two fleece blankets and a memory foam pillow. All the comforts of home are here.
And next is my wardrobe closet. I'm utilizing the front passenger seat for storing clothing while the footwell keeps things like my laptop, camera bag and whatever else I feel like jamming down in there.
And lastly for the exterior of the Jeep, I went with a xxxRhino Rack backbone system paired with their large Pioneer platform. It's a mostly well-made system. I had some quality issues with a few pieces, but the manufacturer sent replacements fairly quickly to resolve the problem. I'm also using the newer ARB awning with a built-in LED strip that has a few different color and brightness settings.
To go with the awning, I also have an ARB Touring screen room. I haven't used the awning much, just a few times mainly to use the light for making dinner. On a few windy nights I did put up the screen room to have a place out of the wind so I could cook dinner. I think back home in Michigan this tight mesh screen room will come in handy when trying to escape the never-ending mosquitoes and no-see-ums.
